Labels to feature bee warnings

Federal officials have developed new labels to warn users that some pesticides may kill honeybees.

The measure from the Environmental Protection Agency is intended to combat a sharp decline in bee populations, known as colony collapse disorder, that has far-reaching effects on global agriculture but has remained somewhat of a mystery to scientists and federal regulators.

“Multiple factors play a role in bee colony declines, including pesticides," said Jim Jones, assistant administrator of the EPA’s chemical safety office, in a statement on Thursday. "The Environmental Protection Agency is taking action to protect bees from pesticide exposure and these label changes will further our efforts."

The labels will be required for pesticides containing a class of chemicals known as neonicotinoids, which have been accused of playing a role in the decline of bee populations. They will give restrictions and precautions to warn users that the pesticides “can kill bees and other insect pollinators.”